Palomar Mountain News

When I saw Jim Hamerly’s last sunset of the year on Facebook, I thought many of you would appreciate the view through his lens, too.  Jim also was the source for the 19 inches of snow we got over here off State Park Road on New Years Eve.  It’s interesting how varied the amount of snow is on this mountain.  Winter Wonderland for sure!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!  When I looked outside this morning I just started singing and smiling.  The 16 years that we’ve been back on the mountain, I don’t think I’ve noticed icicles on the trees!  Took this at 11:30 am in full sun.  Just had to share.  If you’d like the words, here you go and you can click for the song.  (No, it’s not me singing – but they could use some snow pix in that video!)  Think I’ll go outside for a while and jus’ smile…

It’s a beautiful mornin’, Ahhh,
I think I’ll go outside a while,
An jus’ smile.
Just take in some clean fresh air, boy!
Ain’t no sense in stayin’ inside
If the weather’s fine an’ you got the time.
It’s your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day. Either way,
It’s a beautiful mornin’, Ahhh,

Best Snow Chains

Snow Tips for Palomar

A nice pair of snowshoes was left by mistake out in front of the Lodge.  See Tom’s note below.  Hope they are found and can be returned for a very happy new year!

From: Tom and Tracy Pastore

Just realized I did something pretty dumb when I left the mountain around sundown today.  I apparently got in our vehicle (parked across the street from the lodge, end of the pavement on Crestline Rd) and left my snowshoes sitting on the ground.  A large truck with plates “K GRINGO” was just parking next to us.  Will probably be a few weeks before we make another trip up to the high country.  The snowshoes are ATLAS brand, copper colored aluminum frames.

Thanks –

Tom Pastore

  Many thanks to the long hours James and his Road Crews are putting in to make our roads a lot more safe for us to get around.  Chains are required and as James said today, “If you don’t have chains, stay home”.

Well, we’ve lived here for 16 years now and I have never had a set of chains and I have a good 4W drive and I know how to drive in the snow and I will be just fine…. I was just dropping something off at a cabin real quick so didn’t even have my phone, gloves, or a hat … and it was in the 20’s.   Ohmygoodness – not a good girl scout at all! I got really stuck three times today. Hope you can learn from my adventures.

This morning I was driving up Crestline, slowed down to take a pic of this cute little ‘snow-lump-of-a-car’

when my car just slid backwards, wiggled it’s way over to the side and became very stuck!

Chains would have been such a help.  I was out in the road when Wes Bergman drove by.  I asked him to let Don know to come tow me out – hooray, help was on the way.  But then Tom Fortney came along, and slowed down to offer help.  Oh nooooooo! Tom’s car slid across the road, heading right to my car.  I thought I was going to be a pancake and made an attempt to push his car away. Pretty crazy! Tom’s car just nudged mine, lost his license plate and then went slipping and sliding down Crestline. Finally stopped and Tom got out just in time to see me fall back on the ice just like they do in the movies.  Whew! Palomar is not for the meek with this snow, but we both survived.

Ron Bowan was out when I got stuck the last time and shoveled some dirt on the road so I could get going again.  A neighbor came out at one point with another great idea of using the floor mats under the tires. The way I roll, I’m guessing I may find myself trying that one of these days.

The really good news is that James and Crew were sanding this afternoon and plan to sand again before morning.  With the temperatures staying low, it will continue to be pretty crazy out there.  Chains are pretty smart for the locals up here too and are required to get up.

So, hope everyone can stay safe and have a lot of fun to kick off your 2015!

Goodnight everyone!  Looking forward to seeing you ’round the Mountain next year!

Best Snow Chains

  We woke up to a beautiful snow on Palomar!  The last time I checked it was 19 degrees and a neighbor posted 19 inches at their place.  Chains required but those County Road guys are doing a fabulous job.

Happy New Year to ALL!

Click for Snow info and tips.

So pleased to find a new insurance option for Palomar.  I realize many of you have had huge increases in rates and have scrambled to find another company to insure, often asking for a lot of drama.  Brian just saved the day for some escrows up here.  Give him a call for a quote for you. You just my start your New Year out saving some money!$!

Brian J. Ruiz

(619) 668-2364 Direct

(619) 668-4715 Fax

4700 Spring St # 400

La Mesa,  CA   91942

www.teagueins.com

Auto-Home-Commercial-Business-Life

If you are coming up to Palomar in the snow, especially on weekends, the CHP may have a stop at the bottom of the grades to make sure you have chains.

About two years ago I posted about Tom Weller’s great snow chain service in San Diego.  You might think that is a long way to drive since you pass a couple Wal-Marts to get there. Well, Tom gives a lesson in how to put them on and makes sure they fit properly to do the job.  He is an interesting guy to talk to and is also “The Highway Man” that you might have heard about on TV.  The proceeds from his tire chain business fund that hobby that helps a lot of folks.

Click for more info with links to Tom’s websites.

  Maybe so!  Maybe SNOW!  Get your camera out! Might be down to the 2000 foot level!  Could be about 10 inches on Palomar?!!??  Lotsa fun in store!  Sleds, mittens, grandkids – check!

Webcams and Snow Tips for Palomar Mountain

UT Article – Snow coming to San Diego Mountains